D
Dennis R.
Traveler
TravelerLeelanau State Park Campground
Great Location, Quiet Campground
Camped right on the lake. Spots are a little small, tight and rocky.
Camping near Fife Lake, MI
255 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Camping areas around Fife Lake, Michigan encompass a variety of public lands and established facilities within the northern Lower Peninsula. Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides rustic sites along the Manistee River, while Spring Lake State Forest Campground offers primitive camping with lake views. The area supports tent camping, RV sites with varying hookup levels, and cabin accommodations at places like Manton Trails RV Park. Sand Lakes Quiet Area features backcountry tent sites for those seeking more solitude, with most campgrounds positioned along waterways or within forested settings.
Many State Forest campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with rustic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pump water. The camping season typically runs from May through October, though some sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions. The North Country Trail passes through several campgrounds, making them ideal for backpackers following this long-distance route. The Fife Lake Loop, a popular hiking trail, connects with Spring Lake State Forest Campground and offers multiday hiking opportunities. "Spring Lake State Forest Campground is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop. It's about 10ish miles north of the southern portion of the loop and is the perfect place to spend the night before continuing the loop the next day."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly along the Manistee River which provides opportunities for paddling and fishing. Sites at Old US-131 State Forest Campground are described as spacious and wooded, offering good separation between campers. Several visitors note the quiet atmosphere at most campgrounds, particularly during weekdays and in spring or fall. A visitor described Old US-131 as "a fantastic little campground, right on the Manistee River" with sites that are "spacious and wooded, gorgeous colors in the fall." Traffic noise affects some campgrounds located near highways, with Spring Lake campground occasionally receiving road noise from nearby M-66. Cell service varies throughout the region, with spotty coverage in more remote forest campgrounds but generally sufficient connectivity at developed campground options closer to towns.
Best Campgrounds near Fife Lake (255)
1. Traverse City State Park Campground
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability2. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
"We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."
"There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability3. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability4. Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
"Absolutely serene and secluded in the gorgeous northern Michigan wilderness. This is a park and walk camping spot. Also permits are apparently required as this is a state park."
"great spots near lakeside hiking nearby
quiet, hardly saw anyone"
5. Old US-131 State Forest Campground
"The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other."
"it was cold and rainy so we passed on hiking. we decided instead to drive around and explore the traverse city area and some of the dog friendly parts of sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore. had a great"
6. Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
"It's fairly wide open, with trees around, but this was great as it made stargazing easy."
"I like the location; very secluded in the State Forest but only a half hour from downtown Traverse City. This facility meets the recreation need of a diverse cross section of Michigan residents."
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground
"There is plenty of walking area to get some exercise for yourself and dogs. I would highly recommend making this campground one to park your camper at!!!👍"
"This campground is centrally located to everything that’s going on, on the west side of the state. Whether it’s trail riding, Traverse City Cherry festival or hanging in the town of Manton."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Whitewater Township Park Campground
"This park is situated up on a hill on beautiful Elk Lake. Elk Lake can easily access Torch River and into Torch Lake. It has a fantastic boat launch which we have used."
"The park itself is positioned on a hillside next to a lake. We had a site at the top of the hill which I recommend."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability9. Spring Lake State Forest Campground
"Pretty good campground other than it’s right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish."
"However, it is perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop."
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground
"Right near the Manistee River and offers lovely scenery. It was rainy and there were slugs everywhere, but that's camping right?"
"You have a great array of spots to chose from, you have access to outhouses and pump well for water! Spot to hike and float river if you chose, of course fishing!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 28 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 33 min from Midland, MI
- 1 hr 48 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 2 min from Muskegon, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Fife Lake, MI
414 Photos of 255 Fife Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Rainbow Jim Legacy Cabin
Old US-131 State Forest CampgroundH
Forks State Forest Campground
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground
Camp Stonewood Ranch
Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground
Sand Lakes Quiet Area Backcountry Campsites
Arbutus Lake State Forest CampgroundH
Lake Billings RV Park & CampgroundA
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation ResortC
Kalkaska RV Park & Campground
C&A Adventure
Recent Reviews near Fife Lake, MI
1054 Reviews of 255 Fife Lake Campgrounds
Katherine R.TravelerGovernment Landing Campground
Beautiful place to camp - limited "real" lots
We came later Friday in October and every spot was occupied. It is very beautiful though. There is some places it says no camping. If you can't camp there it would be a nice place to find a secluded spot and hammock all day. Camp sites are not close to each other at all.
- Katherine R.Traveler
Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
Affordable rustic camping
First come first serve lots. Big spaces. Loops 1-3 were open in October. Nice trails all around, lake was very pretty. Can't complain for $20 a night. Outhouses were stinky but that's expected. You pay by putting cash in an envelope near the entrance and putting a tag on the site of dates you'll be there.
- TTerry A.
GuideGarey Lake State Forest Campground
Nice
Ya got sunny and more private sites. Little lake and trails. Quick exit onto pavement between Traverse City and the dunes.
- AAnn K.
ScoutJones Lake State Forest Campground
Peaceful
Beautiful campground. Quiet and peaceful. Large sites provide privacy. Beautiful sunsets .
Robert M.GuideWooden Shoe Campground
Wooden Shoe Campground, Nice campground on a bluff above Lake Ellsworth.
I was in Ellsworth for the first day of the Antrim Paddle Festival. My campsite was on the edge of a grassy bluff overlooking a park, and Lake Ellsworth beach. Lake Ellsworth is the beginning of Northern Western Michigan's Chain of Lakes water trail. A 100-mile inland flatwater trail with 12 lakes, interconnecting rivers and only one portage, a small dam in Bellaire.
Wooden Shoe is a city campground. Campsites with electric are $35. per night, $25 for tent sites. It has a building with men and women restrooms/showers, I can only speak for the men's side which had with 2 showers, sinks, 2 stalls and a urinal which was clean and in good shape. You're given the door combination to enter.
From the bluff I had a full view of the park below which had a pavilion, sand beach and a dock with a kayak launch.
My campsite was closer to the next than I like but the campground was quiet. The campground has Wi-Fi, but I never got the password, so used my T-Mobile hotspot.
Camp host was a friendly lady.
For more info on water trail: https://www.paddleantrim.com
- Gordie H.Scout
Beaver Creek Resort
Perfect Get away!
We went during off season, could only imagine how much fun it would be in the peak season. enjoyed the pool and hot tub. All staff was helpful and courteous! Will be our go to!
Kathie M.
LegendLeelanau State Park Campground
Beautiful Lake Michigan front campground
My all time favorite small, Lake Michigan front campground. Rustic (except mini cabins which have electricity). No showers, but there is potable water. Beautiful lake front sites as well as some in trees. Beautiful lighthouse, playground (including horseshoes) and picnic area. Phenomenal hiking trails south of campground-one trail leads directly to a pristine remote beach. Dogs are allowed on trails w/ leash(but not on beach mid April thru August due to Piping Plover nesting). Campground is quiet and serene. My all time favorite. Only downside is if you are in the cabins or on South sites you can hear road noise during day. Not horrible but irritating.
DanaTravelerSouth Higgins Lake State Park Campground
Disappointing
The 2 good things about this campground was the full hook up & the large site size. However, my site & a few surrounding sites smelled like sewage from the moment I stepped out of my truck. I couldn't sit outside to enjoy the "fresh" air or open my windows. The picnic table was backed against utility boxes, & the fire pit was within a few feet of the camper behind me. Supposedly there are 3 dog beaches. I found 1 that was a tiny spot with a little bit of sand. I walked over a mile to the park's edge following signs for another dog beach. It didn't exist. Dog beaches are not marked on the map.
Guide to Fife Lake
Camping spots near Fife Lake, Michigan provide varied terrain for outdoor recreation in the Pere Marquette State Forest. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,200 feet with sandy soil supporting abundant pine and oak forests. Northern Michigan's climate brings warm summers with temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and cool evenings, making the May-October camping season ideal for both tent and RV campers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers multiple secluded fishing spots with exceptional catch rates. "Amazing fishing and spacious campsites fire away from everybody... Literally, some of the best fishing I have ever done. We caught so many bass we lost count," reports Dan K.
Trail hiking: Spring Lake State Forest Campground connects directly to the Fife Lake Loop trail system. "It's perfect for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop. It's about 10ish miles north of the southern portion of the loop and is the perfect place to spend the night before continuing the loop the next day," notes Mark M.
Paddling: Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides direct Manistee River access. "We put in upriver a ways where there was parking and got out right at the campground. It was close enough that we could follow the trail along the river back to our car since we only had one. Awesome spot!" shares Tee Jay M.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the roomy sites at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort. "My husband loved this place because most of the sites are pull-through ones. The trees keep your site blanketed in shade all day long," notes Michelle S.
Natural settings: Many appreciate the secluded locations of rustic campgrounds. "We just drove in a few minutes and found a beautiful lake with a prime campsite next to it. We pitched our tent, stoked the fire, and didn't see another soul during our entire time there," reports Alyssa A. about Sand Lakes Quiet Area.
Clean facilities: Whitewater Township Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "They do a great job maintaining and improving site each year. Their bathrooms are very clean daily," reports Zebadee.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Late spring and fall offer the most solitude. "We love going around September so quiet a few people there loads of trails to walk on and people are very respectful I keep going every year," notes Larry K. about Old US-131 State Forest Campground.
Water conditions: Some lakes in the region may have swimmers' itch during summer months. "The sites are not real big, and all dirt. Not quiet time enforced. And swimmers itch in the lake," reports Sherrie P. about Green Lake at Interlochen State Park.
Road noise: Spring Lake State Forest Campground sits close to a main road. "Pretty good campground other than it's right off M-66 and you can hear the traffic, but the campground is clean and nice, right on spring lake with easy access if you like to boat, kayak, or fish," notes Matt T.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort offers numerous family activities. "This campground is great for what it is, a resort type campground with tons of activities and opportunities for fun. It is not a typical campground for people looking to get lost in the woods," explains Jay J.
Youth-friendly amenities: Recreational facilities keep children entertained. "We really enjoyed this campground! There was a lot for the kids to do and we never really left the campground the 2 weekend we camped here. The pool is clean. Kids loved the activities they had scheduled," shares Cassondra P.
Music experiences: Campers can enjoy live entertainment at Manton Trails RV Park. "Over the weekend they had a concert! Live band and food truck...free to all campers and their friends! It was a great time and the owners and manager are very friendly," reports Sarah S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Whitewater Township Park offers varied campsite options. "Get site 7, 8, or 9 for an unobstructed view of the lake. Firewood was $6 a bundle, $5 to use the boat launch, and $15 per night for an extra tent," advises Sarah L.
Urban proximity: Traverse City State Park Campground provides convenient access to urban amenities. "Great place to camp in traverse! I prefer state parks to private campgrounds, and I don't mind the crowds, but it is a very busy place to camp in the summer," shares Emma W., who adds "There are lots of places to go see in the traverse area like sleeping bear sand dunes, mission point, and of course getting some cherries!"
Access to trails: Many sites offer direct connections to recreation. "Great campground. Booked two nights and had to request a third it was so perfect. We went up because it advertised orv access right from campsite. It's really handy to not have to trailer over to the trailheads," shares Jen L. about Manton Trails RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Fife Lake camping areas?
What amenities are available at Fife Lake camping areas?
Camping areas around Fife Lake offer a variety of amenities. Old US-131 State Forest Campground provides spacious, wooded campsites with Manistee River access for kayaking and fishing. The North Country Trail and Fife Lake Loop trailhead are located right in the campground. At Thurston Park Campground, you'll find lakefront sites with fishing and paddling access, plus a playground adjacent to the campground. Most sites in the area are rustic but well-maintained, featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though amenities vary by specific location.
Where is Fife Lake campground located in Michigan?
Where is Fife Lake campground located in Michigan?
Fife Lake is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Two popular camping options in the Fife Lake area include Old US-131 State Forest Campground and Spring Lake State Forest Campground. These campgrounds are situated near the North Country Trail and the Fife Lake Loop trail system. The area provides access to the Manistee River, making it a convenient base for hiking, fishing, and kayaking activities.
Are reservations required for camping at Fife Lake?
Are reservations required for camping at Fife Lake?
Reservations are not required at many campgrounds around Fife Lake. Spring Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. This makes it particularly convenient for backpackers looking to complete the Fife Lake Loop, as they can stop for the night without prior planning. For more options with reservation systems, Traverse City State Park Campground is available within driving distance. It's advisable to arrive early during peak summer months and weekends to secure a spot at the first-come, first-served campgrounds.
Keep Exploring